RN and Medical Interpreter?

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Hello!

I'm currently in nursing school in New York. Someone mentioned that I should also become a medical interpreter. I speak, read and write Spanish fluently so I would get certified while I'm getting my BSN.

Do RNs with a medical interpreter license make more money?

I'm sure it would be beneficial to communicate with my patients but I was just wondering if there are any other perks.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I doubt you'll get paid more- seriously. BUT you will have a leg up just being bilingual AND not having to wait for a translator when you need one!

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Im not sure if nurses with medical interpreter license get paid more but I most certainly know when I worked at NYU hospital as a secretary...any employee whether a receptionist or nurse, got paid more because they spoke another language fluently. However, it comes with more responsibility because folks will be pulling you left and right for your services.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Base pay may not be any higher but I know my local hospital pays any employee who is a certified medical interpreter a bonus for each year they maintain certification and are willing to interpret for the hospital. I think it works out to a few thousand extra per year. They also pay for the certification and on-going interpreter related training.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Possibly bonus at hospital but you can also subcontract. If you can translate accurately AND interpret you can work for a language line, international translation services or even the courts. Medical interpreters and translators are highly valued if credentialed.

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